A session from Daily Prayer 2, seeking God’s help in time of trouble, so that, soaring in spirit, we may be free.
Read
If only I had wings like a dove, I say to myself. Then I would be able to fly away and find rest. Yes indeed, I would escape somewhere away from it all, I would make the desert my dwelling place, I would lose no time whatsoever in finding for myself a refuge from the howling wind and storm. Psalm 55:6-8
Ponder
One of the things I love about coastal walking is the sight of seabirds soaring on the thermals that rise above the cliffs. Seemingly without effort, they glide higher and higher, barely having to flap their wings, so strong are the currents of air beneath them. They seem wonderfully free, able to explore horizons we humans are denied unless we’ve the courage to try our hand at hang-gliding.
We’re tied down to earth not only literally but spiritually. Partly, that is down to our possessions, those things that we think we own but that all too often own us, such is the pressure to store, protect, maintain and renew them. Linked to that is the quest for more: to improve our lot in life, to buy bigger and better, to invest for the future and so forth. But our malaise goes far deeper, for our very horizons are tied to our humanity, to this world that we see and touch and know. How wonderful it would be to be free of such limitations, or at least to rise above them, to let our spirits soar to things above. And isn’t that, at least in part, what Paul had in mind when he spoke of the ‘glorious freedom’ of the gospel, or what Jesus was driving at when he promised ‘You will know the truth and the truth will set you free’? We can’t ignore the responsibilities of the daily routine, nor live with our heads in the clouds, but faith gives us a glimpse of something greater, reminding us that life is more than food or clothing, or anything else we care to mention, holding a dimension that we can taste now and enjoy for all eternity. Celebrate everything this world has to offer, for it is God’s gift, but don’t let yourself be chained to it.
Ask yourself
What things tie your horizons down to this world? In what ways does Jesus set you free from them? When is your spirit most able to soar?
Pray
Creator God, thank you for the beauty of this world, for everything within it that brings happiness, interest and contentment. Thank you for the good things I enjoy: home and health, family and friends, food and clothing, work and leisure – so many reasons to be grateful. Help me to acknowledge your goodness and to rejoice in all that I have received, but save me from being so tied to earthly concerns that they close my mind to things beyond – the far richer treasures of your kingdom. Liberate my spirit from slavery to possessions or anything else this world has to offer. May it soar instead to you, catching a sense of who and what you are, and of the joy you alone can offer. Give me the wings of a dove, to rise up to you. Amen.
Remember
If you continue in my word, and truly live as my disciples, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:31b, 32
Close
Broaden my vision, Lord, deepen my insight, sharpen my perception, strengthen my faith. Teach me to celebrate this world but not be chained to it; to live life now in the light of life to come. Set me free to glimpse your kingdom here on earth. Amen.